Military & Veterans News Secretary Wilkie meets with leaders at Washington DC VA Medical Center Today, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie visited the Washington DC VA Medical Center (VAMC), where he met with facility and regional leaders and received updates on recent progress in Veterans’ care and plans for further improvements at the facility.
Military & Veterans News Forever GI Bill Expands VA Educational Benefits Effective Aug. 1, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented 15 more provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also referred to as the Forever GI Bill.
Military & Veterans News President Trump Selects Jake Leinenkugel to Lead VA Commission Focused on Veterans’ Mental Health Treatment Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that President Donald J. Trump has selected former VA White House Senior Advisor Thomas “Jake” Leinenkugel to lead a key commission focused on the department’s mental health care programs.
Military & Veterans News VA’s Transition Assistance Program Participant Guide honored by marketing association WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today its Transition Assistance Program (TAP) was recently recognized by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals during the 2020 Hermes Creative Awards, for the VA Benefits and Services Participant Guide — a publication that makes it easy for transitioning service members and Veterans to understand their benefits.
Military & Veterans News VA resumes in-person benefits services halted by the COVID-19 response WASHINGTON — The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the reestablishment of in-person benefits services in select locations throughout the country.
Military & Veterans News VA housed more than 40,000 homeless Veterans in 2022 WASHINGTON — During 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs permanently housed 40,401 homeless Veterans, providing them with the safe, stable homes that they deserve. This exceeded the department’s goal to house 38,000 Veterans in 2022 by 6.3%.
Military & Veterans News Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for free emergency health care WASHINGTON – Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.
Military & Veterans News VA reaches 1M Veterans in military exposure screenings WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs marks a historic milestone by screening 1 million Veterans for military exposures as part of the PACT Act signed into law Aug. 10.
Military & Veterans News VA will begin processing PACT Act benefits claims for all Veterans and survivors WASHINGTON — On Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin processing PACT Act benefit claims for all Veterans and their survivors.
Military & Veterans News VA to begin processing PACT Act benefits claims immediately for terminally ill Veterans WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will begin processing PACT Act benefits claims for eligible terminally ill Veterans.
Military & Veterans News VA continues aggressive hiring push to deliver PACT ACT care and benefits WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring qualified individuals to join the benefits team as VA begins processing PACT Act claims starting in January 2023.These new VA employees will help ensure Veterans and survivors get the PACT Act-related benefits they’ve earned in a timely manner.
Military & Veterans News VA will launch new life insurance program in January, making life insurance available to more Veterans than ever before WASHINGTON — On Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs will open enrollment for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance — the first new VA life insurance program for Veterans in more than 50 years — extending VALife access to millions of Veterans.
Military & Veterans News VA creates scholarship program to help aspiring VA mental health professionals WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it will establish a Vet Center (Readjustment Counseling Service) Scholarship Program to assist individuals pursuing graduate degrees in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or mental health counseling.
Military & Veterans News VA will prioritize delivering benefits to Veterans with cancer under PACT Act Today, on National Cancer Awareness Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will prioritize the processing of Veterans’ benefits claims for cancers associated with the PACT Act. VA will expedite these claims to ensure Veterans with cancer are getting timely access to the care and benefits they need and deserve.
Military & Veterans News VA closes gap in benefits for LGBTQ+ Veterans and their survivors WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it is closing a gap in survivor benefits for certain survivors of LGBTQ+ Veterans — specifically, for those who were unable to wed until the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision, and who, therefore, were not married to their now-deceased Veteran spouses for long enough to qualify for survivor benefits.
Military & Veterans News VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers expands to Veterans of all eras WASHINGTON — Today, VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers is expanding to include eligible Veterans and family caregivers of all eras.
Military & Veterans News VA offers benefit debt relief to Veterans affected by recent hurricanes WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering a suspension of debt repayments for Veterans and family members affected by Hurricane Fiona or Hurricane Ian.
Military & Veterans News VA to Extend Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers eligibility for “legacy” Veterans and their family caregivers WASHINGTON — Yesterday, the Department of Veterans Affairs submitted to the Federal Register an
Military & Veterans News VA extends temporary hardship suspension for benefit debts WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs is extending its financial hardship suspension on benefit debts through Dec. 31.
Military & Veterans News Statement from VA Secretary Denis McDonough on the signing of the PACT Act “The PACT Act is a historic new law that will help VA deliver for millions of Veterans — and their survivors — by empowering us to presumptively provide care and benefits to Vets suffering from more than 20 toxic exposure-related conditions. It will also bring generations of Veterans into VA health care, which will improve Veteran health outcomes across the board.
Military & Veterans News VA expands grant program for community organizations helping homeless Veterans WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs published a Proposed Rule, July 29, allowing Grant and Per Diem program grantees to receive reimbursements for costs associated with serving the minor dependents of homeless Veterans.
Military & Veterans News VA summer sports clinic for disabled Veterans returns to San Diego WASHINGTON — Veterans will participate during the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, Aug. 7-12 in San Diego.
Military & Veterans News VA stands up commission to recommend new Under Secretary for Benefits WASHINGTON — Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough approved the establishment of a commission on July 19, to identify candidates to lead and manage the Veterans Benefits Administration in the position of Under Secretary for Benefits.
Military & Veterans News New Veterans Crisis Line phone number WASHINGTON — Effective July 16, Veterans have the option to Dial 988 then Press 1 to connect with caring, qualified responders for 24/7 crisis support.